Why should I have a career development plan?

Chances are that in the past few years, you’ve been asked about your Career Development Plan; you’re probably thinking “why do I need a development plan? Is my performance not up to standard?” or “My development plan is to start another job” or better yet, “I’m happy where I am, can’t you just leave me alone”.

Truth be told, working on a Development Plan is not easy; just ask your manager on how they’re doing with their own development plan. It requires a mix of abstract thinking, future projections, and asking yourself some tough questions. In its simplest form, a development plan is the roadmap or the journey, while a "Performance Evaluation" is the milestones and objectives to help you reach your destination.

The value of an effective development plan is that it helps the individual focus their growth and progress in a consistent direction; having a point of reference allowing for frequent checkpoints to make sure the individual continues heading in the right direction, despite occasional noise or distractions. In addition, sharing the development plan with the right audience has a multiplier effect of developing a personal network of agents and advocates who indirectly work to increase your chances of getting to your destination by bringing suitable opportunities to your attention based on what they’ve understood from your development plan.

So what makes for an effective development plan? It really should start with a detailed introspection, a 360 degree view of one’s profile. This includes a self assessment on a professional and personal level; what brings you satisfaction of time and effort well spent?

Ask yourself: how would I want my story to unfold 5 years from now? looking back, am I where I want to be in my personal and professional life. Don’t over think it, the simpler, the better. The German scientist/philosopher Goethe shares that “To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.”

Where to start? well, the best place to start is having a direct and honest conversation with someone who’s opinion and perspective you value and respect. A family member, a colleague at work, a friend, a spouse and/or a professional counselor. As you discuss your profile, listen to your own story, look for clues; all the information needed is there. Identify a couple of areas and do a second round deep dive; is there a compelling story? yes, capture the highlights, otherwise keep looking.

Even the best plan needs to be checked every once in a while; our world is dynamic, change is all around us; when you least expect it, events might create opportunities. Those who are aware of their environment and keep an open and flexible perspective see the value and pounce on it.

Career management is more than just applying for a job opening; it’s a skill, you get better at it provided you’re investing in the most important thing: yourself!

So how’s your development plan coming along?